AKIPRESS.COM - India will eliminate all single-use plastic in the country by 2022, prime minister Narendra Modi has announced, The Guardian reported.

The pledge is the most ambitious yet of the global actions to combat plastic pollution that are taking place in 60 nations around the world. Modi’s move aims to drastically stem the flow of plastic from the 1.3 billion people living in the fastest growing economy in the world.

“The choices that we make today will define our collective future,” said Modi on Tuesday. “The choices may not be easy. But through awareness, technology, and a genuine global partnership, I am sure we can make the right choices. Let us all join together to beat plastic pollution and make this planet a better place to live.”

A UN report issued on Tuesday – World Environment Day – showed dozens of nations acting to cut plastic, including a ban on plastic bags in Kenya, on styrofoam in Sri Lanka and the use of biodegradable bags in China.

A tax on single-use plastic bags in the UK has slashed their use, and ministers have banned microbeads in personal hygiene products. But prime minister Theresa May’s pledge to end “avoidable plastic waste by the end of 2042” was criticised as far too slow.